sub woofer help

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Gemini

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#285770 16-May-2021 21:10

Hi.
Want sub-bass, not getting it, hoping someone can help me out :-)
Setup. AV amp, 2 bookshelf speakers, powered sub. Freeview TV, NUC for streaming.
Issue. Sub powers on, goes thuddd and plays test tones but is not playing audio
Backstory. It was working great when I had it hooked up to this amp and an Xbox one in another room.
Question 1. Can I get sub frequencies from The Edge (ch11), The Breeze (ch 14) Freeview music channels?
Question 2. Can I get sub frequencies from my NUC. Youtube, Plex
Question 3. If yes to either of the above, what settings on the amp are needed? I've tried heaps
Thanks!

Batman

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#2708252 16-May-2021 21:42

0. make sure your sub is activated in the settings. it should show 2.1 not 2.0

1. set all other speakers to small

2. set your crossover frequency to 100Hz

3. there is some other setting

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nitro

636 posts

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#2708301 17-May-2021 09:07

AV receivers usually have a setting to use the subwoofer:

only when there is a discrete LFE track
in addition to the main speakers

perhaps yours does too?

jonathan18

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#2708333 17-May-2021 10:03

Gemini:Question 1. Can I get sub frequencies from The Edge (ch11), The Breeze (ch 14) Freeview music channels?

Just to address this question directly - yep, any of those sources are capable of (and will have) audio with frequencies low enough to be reproduced by your sub - but as the other replies have noted you probably need to look at settings on your amp, such as whether you’re in an audio mode that disengages the sub (often the case for some music-oriented modes), speaker size, crossover frequency...

Perhaps posting the brand and model of your sub, plus what the AV amp’s current settings are, would allow people to provide more specific advice.

Batman

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#2708344 17-May-2021 10:39

4. Don't use direct mode

Gemini

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#2711211 22-May-2021 09:47

I've tried all combinations of
Speaker size
Send bass to speakers - sub only, both
Different crossover frequencies

It's actually not working with sub test tones

Apart from the power on thudd I'm just getting static

I failed to mention I have a HDMI matrix in the mix as my high end Yamaha amp is pre-HDMI.
I'll take that out of the loop next

Batman

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#2711228 22-May-2021 11:13

If it's not working with sub test tones either your sub is broke or your amp is broke

You'll have to figure out which one. It's not difficult

Gemini

429 posts

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#2711296 22-May-2021 13:48

Batman: If it's not working with sub test tones either your sub is broke or your amp is broke

You'll have to figure out which one. It's not difficult

Or I had the Sub connected into Multi-channel input rather than Pre-out!!!
Mystery solved, thanks for your help

Gemini

429 posts

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#2711853 23-May-2021 20:15

Batman: If it's not working with sub test tones either your sub is broke or your amp is broke

You'll have to figure out which one. It's not difficult

The sub is a keeper but I think I need to change my other speakers.
Bowers and Wilkins VM1s are strong and stylish but my room is too big for them.
Was thinking floorstanders like Wharfedale Diamond 9.6 (8" drivers) but don't have enough room if I go for a 75" TV

Batman

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#2711881 23-May-2021 21:50

i have the diamond 9.6 - it is a stronger sub than most of the subs i've owned.

Gemini

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#2756287 6-Aug-2021 16:57

Batman:
i have the diamond 9.6 - it is a stronger sub than most of the subs i've owned.

Do the bass drivers work at low volume in your floor standers?
I find I have to crank the volume up to get my powered sub to wake up and start operating which is annoying

Batman

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#2756288 6-Aug-2021 17:03

hmm. i don't know sorry. it's not a sub. if you want a sub get a sub. i'm just saying the 9.6 goes very deep.

bendud

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#2756293 6-Aug-2021 17:13

I got some Monitor Audio Bronze floor standers from AVWorld at a good price - while they aren't part of my HT (they run off a Bluesound Powernode for audio instead) I would happily use them in a HT setup, and they are easy to match. They aren't on sale any more but the Kef Q550s and Wharfedales are, while Gary Anderson has some good Dalis and Wildash have some bargain PSBs so there are a few options out there.

Ultimately in NZ I think it's paying lots for what you want first time and living with it, or hoping something good pops up in a sale - I tend to go for the latter. Tough market for the independent suppliers but having lived close to a Richer Sounds in the UK for years I still baulk at paying double the price here with less choice; I know we are a small country a long way from anywhere but I can't help it. I do still buy things locally to support the economy but it's just 40% more painful!

From the Antarctic Riviera